N251-044 TITLE: Data Converter Cabinet for the AEGIS Weapon System MK99 Fire Control System

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Design a solid-state data converter cabinet that maintains or exceeds existing functionality and performance to replace wire wrapped plane cabinets.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy’s MK99 Data Converter Cabinets (DCC) rely on a wire wrap backplane which relays power and logic to Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs) via analog signals to process the necessary data to feed the many information systems of the AEGIS Weapon System (AWS) MK99 Fire Control System (FCS). A wire wrap system consists of individually wrapping wire around metal posts, collectively known as a bed of nails, to create logic and/or power circuit paths. Maintenance for these backplanes becomes time consuming should the bed of nails suffer damage, need repair, or for even simplest of wiring. The skill of wire wrapping is fast falling out of favor in the technical community and there is a need to find solutions such as Printed Circuit Board (PCB), surface mountable technologies, or other industry concepts and approaches that are adaptable innovations that can enable retrofit to existing MK99 FCS installations aboard DDG 51 Class ships, development and tactical sites, and international ships. The Navy is seeking a solution that minimizes requirements for wholesale cabinet rip-out and installation to include man-portable modular electronic components, hatchable equipment enclosure architectures, and mechanical/electrical compatibility with existing ship services and cables. Currently there are no commercial solutions that can meet the desired capability.

Design of this below-deck equipment solution seeks to maintain existing interfaces to the SPG-62/MK82 topside antenna and director as well as digitizing the FCS loop from the current antiquated analog MK200 system (largely unchanged since 1992). The solution for the below-deck equipment will retrofit to the existing AEGIS fleet with minimal interface changes and minimal impacts to existing cables and ship services (i.e., power, cooling, electrical, etc.), and equipment will comply with new construction DDG 51 shipbuilding delivery dates.

The solution will be a modular cabinet with system configurations with extensible future upgrades toward hatchable and readily upgradable electronic systems in the future. It must address mitigating supply chain issues through form-fit-function component selection and qualification. It will identify data converter cabinets, sensors, data acquisition hardware, technologies, and design. A solution will show advancements in contrast to existing devices. The solutions must be functionally equivalent to the current design and meet qualifications for shipboard equipment shock, vibration as specified in MIL-STD-810, airborne noise, and electromagnetic interference as specified in MIL-STD-461. The solution must meet testing requirements of the government in relevant environments. Define and demonstrate how to compare new solid-state data to legacy data. The design must be capable of integration with current cabinetry.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a solid-state DCC and show it can feasibly meet the requirements of the Description. Feasibility will be demonstrated through modeling and analysis. Define and demonstrate how to compare new solid-state data to legacy data. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype of the DCC based on the results of Phase I that meets the capabilities listed in the Description. Demonstrate the prototype meets the required parameters in the Description. Testing will be accomplished by the government in a relevant environment provided by the government.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the prototype to Navy systems. The prototype will be integrated into the MK99 FCS. Assist in testing and integration.

Potential commercial applications involve the conversion of wire wrap backplanes to surface mounted technologies capable of providing power and logic to Circuit Card Assemblies (CCA).

REFERENCES:

1. Frost, John. "Backplane-design basics help avert system-design problems." EDN, vol. 38, no. 14, 8 July 1993, pp. 122+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A14352595/AONE?u=anon~b4ca8d1&sid=googleScholar&xid=d8e9c293. Accessed 6 Aug. 2024.

2. High-Speed Printed Circuit Boards: A Tutorial." IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore, 1 Jan. 2020, ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9165973

3. "National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual (NISP), 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq." 1993. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-B/chapter-XX/part-2004

KEYWORDS: Address mitigating supply chain; Data Converter Cabinets; Solid-state CCA; man-portable modular electronic components; hatchable; minimal interface changes

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